Three Things to Know
- It’s a V-twin: The 350cc, 60-degree engine produces a claimed 24kW and 30Nm, making it an unusual alternative to the singles and parallel twins in this class.
- Retro styling, modern equipment: Classic Moto Morini-inspired design with TFT instruments, LED lighting and ABS.
- Now in New Zealand: The 3½ Sport is priced at $7,790 plus on-road costs, with motorcycles arriving at authorised dealers.
The small-capacity motorcycle market is hardly short of options these days, but Moto Morini has arrived with something a little different. The new 3½ Sport combines retro Italian styling with a 350cc V-twin engine, and it’s now available in New Zealand.
There’s something rather appealing about a small-capacity V-twin, particularly when virtually every other manufacturer in the 300–500cc road-bike market seems to be relying on parallel twins or singles.
That’s what makes the new Moto Morini 3½ Sport interesting. It’s not necessarily more powerful or sophisticated than its rivals, but it offers something increasingly rare in this class — a proper V-twin.
I actually spotted one at the New Zealand importer’s premises in Auckland the other day, and I have to say, it looked pretty cool in the metal.
It’s a compact, nicely proportioned machine with a definite nod to the original Moto Morini 3½ Sport of the 1970s. And while the retro-inspired styling is likely to attract plenty of attention, it’s what’s sitting inside the frame that makes this bike particularly interesting.
A V-Twin Amongst the Parallel Twins
The 3½ Sport is powered by a liquid-cooled, 350cc, 60-degree V-twin producing a claimed 24kW (32hp) at 8,500rpm and 30Nm of torque at 5,500rpm.
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Those aren’t particularly earth-shattering figures, but that’s hardly the point.
With so many manufacturers relying on parallel-twin or single-cylinder engines in this segment, it’s refreshing to see Moto Morini offering something different.
The V-twin configuration has long been part of Moto Morini’s identity, and its return in a relatively affordable lightweight motorcycle gives the 3½ Sport an interesting point of difference.
Whether that translates into a particularly entertaining riding experience remains to be seen, but the ingredients are certainly promising.
With so many manufacturers relying on parallel-twin or single-cylinder engines in this segment, it’s refreshing to see Moto Morini offering something different.
Old-School Looks, Modern Equipment
Although the styling takes inspiration from the original 1974 model, the new 3½ Sport is thoroughly modern underneath.
There’s a steel frame with an aluminium swingarm, 37mm upside-down forks and a rear monoshock with adjustable spring preload.
Braking comes courtesy of a 300mm front disc with a four-piston caliper and a 255mm rear disc, backed up by dual-channel ABS.
The claimed dry weight is a relatively modest 154kg, while the 795mm seat height should make the bike accessible to a wide range of riders.
It also gets a TFT instrument display, full LED lighting and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the 15.5-litre fuel tank should offer a useful range between fill-ups.
An Interesting Addition to the NZ Market
The original Moto Morini 3½ Sport earned itself something of a cult following, and the Italian manufacturer is clearly hoping to capture some of that appeal with this modern interpretation.
At $7,790 plus on-road costs, the new model enters an increasingly competitive part of the market, where there’s no shortage of affordable motorcycles offering modern equipment and attractive styling.
But while much of the competition follows a fairly familiar formula, the Moto Morini has something of its own character.
It’s good to see a manufacturer trying something a little different rather than simply following the crowd.
It’s good to see a manufacturer trying something a little different rather than simply following the crowd.
The first examples have arrived in New Zealand and are making their way to authorised Moto Morini dealers, with customers advised to check local availability.
And having seen one in the flesh, I’d certainly be keen to get out and see whether that little V-twin is as entertaining to ride as it is to look at.
Quick Facts – Moto Morini 3½ Sport
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 350cc liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin |
| Power | 24kW (32hp) @ 8,500rpm |
| Torque | 30Nm @ 5,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Seat height | 795mm |
| Dry weight | 154kg (claimed) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.5 litres |
| Front suspension | 37mm USD forks |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, preload adjustable |
| Brakes | 300mm front, 255mm rear, ABS |
| NZ price | $7,790 + ORC |
Moto Morini 3½ Sport Gallery
